Nationalism can be beneficial because it is very similar to patriotism. Nationalists have pride in their country and/or their group of people. This can be a very good thing because it can lead people to work hard to improve their country/group. A group of people that does not think well of themselves may lack morale. They may not wish to work for the benefit of the group because they are not proud of that group/nation. If they feel pride, they may well do more to try to maintain the country/group status of which they are so proud. Nationalism, then, can motivate people to improve their country or the status of their group.